MHP Encourages Safe Sleeping Habits for Babies

Mahaska Health Partnership

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – Whether you’re a new parent or soon to be one, the amount of information available for keeping your precious one safe can be overwhelming. Mahaska Health Partnership Family Practice and Obstetrics Physician Case Everett, MD, offers tips related to safe sleeping.

With newborns, sleep is a huge part of their everyday routine. “It’s typical for babies to sleep 16-20 hours a day,” Dr. Everett shared. “Unfortunately for parents, this often comes in one or two hour increments, thanks to their small stomachs and frequent need to eat. With so much time dedicated to sleeping, it’s important to make sure they’re in the safest environment possible at all times!”

When considering your newborn’s safety while sleeping, start with the crib. “The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their crib or a bassinet when you first arrive home from the hospital,” Dr. Everett explained. “Sleeping in an adult bed or other location can be dangerous and may lead to falls or suffocation.”

When choosing a crib, make sure to follow current safety guidelines. “Changes were put in place in 2011 to make sure cribs were as safe as possible,” Dr. Everett shared. “If you’re not using a new crib, make sure it was manufactured no later than 2012. Also, make sure the side bars are less than 2.375 inches apart. The mattress you choose should be firm and should not leave more than two finger widths between it and the side of the crib.”

When assembling a crib, make sure all the pieces function properly. “If there is something broken or missing, contact the manufacturer for replacement parts; don’t use something that hasn’t been approved,” Dr. Everett advised. “Every time you change the crib sheets, make sure to check any screws and adjust if necessary.”

Though it may be fun to decorate the crib, less is best when thinking of your child’s safety. “Anytime an infant is sleeping in a crib, there should only be a fitted sheet on the mattress,” Dr. Everett urged. “Leave the bumpers, blankets and toys out of the area. These can cause suffocation, so keeping them out of the crib while your child is sleeping is essential.

“Your child should be comfortable in a light, one piece sleeper without any blankets,” Dr. Everett continued. “The lack of a blanket can sometimes cause parents to overdress their baby. If the room temperature is comfortable for you in light clothing it’s just right for baby. Most importantly, keep your child on their back and save tummy time for when they are awake and supervised.”

As your child grows, their sleeping environment will change. “Make sure to lower the crib’s mattress before your child is able to sit up on their own, and lower again before they are able to stand up,” Dr. Everett advised. “By keeping their sleep environment as safe as possible, you can minimize their risk of injury and maximize their sleep so you can enjoy some too!”

Family Practice Physician Case Everett, MD, practices fulltime at the MHP Medical Group, providing primary care to all ages and also delivering babies. Dr. Everett is originally from New Sharon and is passionate about serving his home community. Dr. Everett chose Family Practice with obstetrics because he knew there was a need for obstetrical providers in rural Iowa and wanted to provide an all-encompassing medical practice to his patients. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Everett, call 641.672.3360.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.

Posted by on Oct 28 2016. Filed under Lifestyle, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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